Mortal Kombat comic books

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Mortal Kombat: Collector's Edition.

The Mortal Kombat Comic Books series officially debuted in comic book stores in 1992 and remained popular until 1997 where the series officially ended. They were published by Malibu Comics.

1 Overview
2 The Comics
3 New characters
4 Interesting concepts raised in the comic books
5 External links

[edit] Overview

The comic series really began following the release of the first Mortal Kombat game in 1992 for home consoles, which was already a phenomenial hit in the arcades. The comic books were originally released following the pre-order of the game to give fans some background information of Mortal Kombat, and to also hype up the fans about the game. The comic books were supposed to end there, seeing that the fans were supposed to be more interested in playing the game rather than reading about it . However, it was realised upon that the comic book series had garned some sales potential, and therefore the trend of selling the comic book series began.

Midway would team up with Malibu Comics to produce these non canon comic books (although the comics that were released following the release of a Mortal Kombat game were often canon). The storylines in the comics were officially supervised by Midway (especially John Tobias, the co creator of Mortal Kombat). Some say that the events that took place in the comic series were the previous ideas that Midway produced in their brainstorming sessions.

The comics were said to be popular, especially during the rise of the Mortal Kombat series. Sadly, as the series lost popularity in the late 1990s so did the comic books. Some criticised the comic books for being slack in their artwork (referring to later issues in Blood and Thunder- mainly the Tao issue, which had very poor artwork) while others lost interest in the comics as they did with the game. Malibu Comics eventually went bankrupt and closed down officially in early 1998. The last Mortal Kombat comic that was released was Mortal Kombat 4.

[edit] The Comics

[edit] Blood and Thunder series

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder, #1

Here is the list of comic books under the Blood and Thunder series:

Light and Darkness
A Slow Boat to China
Test Your Might
The Art of War
Kombat Zones
Tao
Mortal Mayhem

The Blood and Thunder series depict the Mortal Kombat series in greater detail, yet it also uses the "what if" theory to a great extent. The storyline, though following the structure of the video game, also raises a storyline of its own, making it a different story rather than a comic book transfer of the game.

The older Sub-Zero is portrayed during the comic book series prominently, while the younger makes a small appearance in the last page of the Tournament Edition II issue. The older Sub-Zero has traits combined of both he and his brother; for instance, in the beginning he is true and loyal to the Lin Kuei and always speaks highly of his clan, yet later in the story he becomes more humane and instead of being a ruthless assassin, he becomes more human, thus assisting Kitana, Kung Lao, Liu Kang and their friends. Sub Zero does NOT feature an evil seed in his soul (Noob Saibot is not mentioned or featured in any Comic Book series except in a special Baraka issue, where he had a small role- he was originally until Malibu Comics stopped the MK Comic franchise due to low sales in the later years). Because of these changes it is sometimes criticized for being somewhat inaccurate and not true to the game's storyline and concepts raised.

It starts from the days leading to the Mortal Kombat tournament in which our heroes are united with a common bond- they have all been invited to participate in Mortal Kombat at Shang Tsung's mysterious island (which is held together by his very own existence). The series continue until issue 7 of Blood and Thunder when Shao Khan delivers the characters of the Mortal Kombat II game to assist Shang Tsung to conquer the Earth Realm. Characters like Jax, Kitana, Mileena and Baraka (basically it's a fuse between the characters of the original and sequel of Mortal Kombat) show up in this issue, and thus the Battlewave series come into full effect. What's interesting in the Blood and Thunder series is the character changes that each respective character undergoes- for example, Sonya Blade absolutely hates Kano and does all she can to ensure his capture, if not his death also. However, once the Blood and Thunder series ends, Sonya becomes fully focused on aiding her friends and Rayden and even shares a rivaly with Mileena, whom tries to kill her on many occasions. Scorpion on the other hand wants to not only kill Sub Zero in revenge for killing him, but also his family and clan, in which originally was not his original intention.

[edit] Tao Te Zhan

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder, #6

The Blood And Thunder series focuses on one primary source of power, in which is a book known as the Tao Te Zhan. Originally, there were many, but over the years in which the powers of each book were unlokced and abused, the Elder Gods destroyed each separate book. They did, however place all its previous powers into the one book and devised a powerful spell in which was to keep the book perminately closed and placed in somewhere in the mountains- never to be found again. Therefore, there is only one undisputed and ultimate Tao Te Zhan book that remains in existence today. The Tao Te Zhan is a powerful book in which can unleash great power that anyone can imagine when opened. However, the catch with The Tao Te Zhan is that it requires a great power to break the spell (in which keeps the book closed, since it is not only a powerful book, but also to protect anyone whether good or evil from opening the book) and the answers to 7 riddles in which unlock the great power. Each solved riddle advances to the next page and they have been answered by various warriors, most specifically Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage and Sonya. Sub Zero answered the most- that being two riddles (the rest only have answered one) and at some stage of their adventures have they tried to unlock the book's power. The books' last riddle was solved by Goro, who had disappeared during the series (in between both the Blood and Thunder and Battlewave series). Rayden and Shang Tsung however, join forces to strip Goro off his newfound power.

The Seven Riddles of the Tao Te Zhan are the seven special riddles that must be solved in order to unlock the ultimate power it possesses:

"You may swallow me, but I may swallow you" (The answer was solved by Liu Kang, in which was "Water").
"Ten Men's length, ten men's strength, ten men cannot tear it, but a little boy walks away with it" (the answer was solved by Scorpion, which was "Rope")
"What overcomes you, yet you do not see it?" (The answer was solved (inadvertedly) by Sonya Blade, which was "Sleep")
"What bridge is built without stone or wood?" (the answer was solved by Sub-Zero, which was "Ice")
The fifth riddle is never mentioned. It is however mentioned that Sub-Zero answered the fifth riddle, whatever it was.
"What is higher than a house, yet is smaller than a mouse?" (the answer was solved by Johnny Cage, which was "A star in the sky")
"What It belongs to you, but others use it more than you do?" (the answer was answered by Goro, which was "Your Name" although ironically, many characters referred to themselves in third person many times (Some fans reckon too many) in the comic series. As a result, Goro walked away with the Tao Te Zhan's power, only he was stripped off it by Shang Tsung and Rayden combined).

[edit] The Battlewave series

Mortal Kombat: Battlewave, #6

Here is the list of comic books under the Battlewaves series:

Where The Wild Things Are
A Fighting Chance
No Guts, No Glory
Days Of Thunder, Nights Of Pain
The Killing Fields
Death Moves

[edit] Goro: Prince of Pain Trilogy

Here is the list of comic books under the Goro: Prince of Pain Trilogy:

Stranger in a Strange Land
Down and Out in Outworld
Armed and Dangerous

[edit] Specified character comics

Here is the list of specified character comics:

Baraka: 'Babality
Kung Lao: 'Rising Son
Kitana & Mileena: 'Sister Act

[edit] Tournament Edition

Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition #2

Here are the Tournament Edition Mortal Kombat comics:

Tournament Edition #1: With Friends Like These...
Tournament Edition #2: 'A Cold Day in Hell

[edit] Rayden & Kano Trilogy

Here is the list of comic books under the Rayden & Kano Trilogy:

Eye of the Storm
The Evil that Men Do
When Part the Heavens

[edit] U.S. Special Forces

Here are the U.S. Special Forces Mortal Kombat comics:

Secret Treasures & Kano in 'Break Out'
Secret Treasures II

[edit] Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat, the official and canon comic book was only released by mail order when the original arcade game of Mortal Kombat I was released - the mail order deal was displayed during the attract mode of the game. This mode of advertising the "mail order only" comic book was also used in Mortal Kombat II. The comic book would later be sold normally around the country, although it was close to impossible to get a copy outside of the U.S.

The Mortal Kombat comic book depicts the video games as it is originally depicted in the game's storyline. While Malibu's "Battlewave" and "Blood and Thunder" series are official publishings of the game, they serve as "scenario 2" for Mortal Kombat, thus favouring the "what if" theories (in which the Mortal Kombat series are no stranger to). It works out to be that Liu Kang does kill Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, in which removes his existence in Earth, yet he is reborn in Outworld, where he suffers near death at the hands of Shao Khan. We don't learn more until the next official release of the Mortal Kombat comic book series, although it is known that the official Mortal Kombat comic book is very identical to Blood and Thunder's Light And Darkness issue.

[edit] Mortal Kombat II

Mortal Kombat II: Collector's Edition.

Following the success of the first Mortal Kombat game, the second game was released with the simultaneous release of the Comic book (again which was originally for those who ordered the comic, and then later on became direct to newsagents). Like the first comic, the second comic book reflects the events that were raised in the game.

Liu Kang becomes the new and undsiputed champion of Mortal Kombat, having bested both Shang Tsung and Goro in order to win the championship. However, unknown to Liu Kang and his comrades, Shang Tsung's fortress island was held together by his existence, and thus begins to quickly explode and self destruct. Our heroes all escape, while Sub-Zero faces his death at the hands of Scorpion whom himself burst into flames after accomplishing his mission. Liu Kang returns home to find his sacred temple in ruins and his brethren all dead and reunites with Kung Lao, whom he had met during the "Blood and Thunder" series. Johnny Cage is rescued by Jax, only to be a suspect in Sonya's disappearance. Cage explains his story and although is not trusted at first, is eventually set free. Jax doesn't believe the story of Johnny Cage until he receives a video signal from Sonya, whom is temporarily working with Kano to escape the Outworld. Sub Zero meets with Liu Kang and Kung Lao in search of Shang Tsung (as he is sent to complete his brother's failed missions- and he is aware of his brother's death) and the three form a temporarily alliance. Shang Tsung meanwhile devises his plan to Shao Kahn in which Kahn agrees to, and restores his youth. With the help of Kitana, Mileena, Baraka, Kintaro and Reptile, Shang Tsung manages to return to Earth (his presence goes undetected by the Elder Gods). While he returns he makes a challenege to Liu Kang and his allies, in which Sub Zero tries an assassination attept, yet is unsuccessful due to Reptile's interference. Reptile tries to kill Sub Zero, only to be halted by Scorpion, whom has returned from the dead to protect Sub-Zero to attone his actions for killing his older brother. Liu Kang, with Rayden's consent accepts the challenge and the Mortal Kombat begins...this time, in Outworld.

[edit] New characters

Siang

Siang: Formed out of twin fighting monks Sing and Sang, Siang is the combination of the two brothers, who have the special ability to fuse their two bodies into one warrior. He was considered to be the Order Of Light's greatest champion, that is until he was killed by Goro. Sang had survived the onslaught, but his brother was dead. Therefore, Sang joined with his dead brother once more to form Siang, only to never separate once more. He was controlled by Shao Kahn due to his Deathstone- a special stone/gem that had the power to control the dead. Because Siang was only half-dead, he maintained a mind of his own, yet was still under the control of Shao Kahn.

Siang was to be killed by Scorpion, after when Scorpion destroyed the Deathstone. Scorpion would murder Siang after his explanation of his story and claiming that he was free from Shao Kahn's control after when Scorpion destroyed the deathstone. Scorpion did so (murder Siang) by impaling his spear through the heart of Siang and ripping it out, then quoting Only the dead are free

Hydro: Sub-Zero V's best friend and fellow Lin Kuei, Hydro has the ability to control water and even blasted strong waves of water that were so freezing cold that they could actually freeze the opponent upon contact. He is a bit younger than Sub-Zero V, but is a respectable fighter in his own right. He also carries two ninja swords on his back.

Hydro was to be killed by Scorpion after the two fought in Outworld. Scorpion did so as apart of his vow to kill Sub-Zero's friends and family before killing Sub Zero himself.

Lieutenant Lance: Lance was Sonya's special forces partner and close friend, whom had helped her in her bid to capture Kano. He sported an artificial arm (which was robotic) and had the ability to conduct electricity out of his hand, thus causing electric shocks upon contact. He could also extend his arm out a good few meters.

Lance would be killed by Kano during the tournament when Kano ripped his heart out. Sonya, grief stricken would then be partnered up with Jax.

Gorbak

Gorbak: King Gorbak, ruler of the subterranean Shokan province of Outworld and father to Goro, is featured in Mortal Kombat: Battlewave, #1, Mortal Kombat: Battlewave, #6 and Mortal Kombat II: Collector's Edition. Interestingly, his appearance alters between the two Battlewave issues. In the first Battlewave instalment, Gorbak is seen alongside Shao Kahn and Kintaro as they question Shang Tsung's failure and allowance of Goro's defeat against Liu Kang. In the sixth issue, he is briefly referenced as an attendant of Sonya and Shao Kahn's wedding. For the MKII comic book, now known as the King of Kuatan, Gorbak is seen in similar circumstances to his first appearance, requesting Shang Tsung's destruction for permitting Goro's death and loss to the monk, Liu Kang. The sorcerer informs Shao Kahn of another means of invading Earthrealm through twisting the rules of the tournament, leading Gorbak to offer a new Shokan allegiance to the Outworld throne, Kintaro.

Grum: Grum is a six-armed Shokan and ruler of the Outworld province Katala, featured in Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder, #2. He wields six sets of nunchaku with his six hands, which hang from his belt. Despite his apparent strength and uniqueness, he is quickly bested in kombat by Sub-Zero from a simple freeze and fly-kick combination.

Bo: Bo is introduced as Johnny Cage's personal bodyguard. Large and muscular, Bo was able to take a direct hit from Goro and be none the worse for it. He first appeared as Liu Kang was being brutally beaten by the Shokahn Prince- without the distraction provided by Bo, Liu Kang would almost certainly have been killed by Goro. Bo survived the entire run of the comics. During the course of events, Bo received a broken arm yet, in Tournament Edition II, he still managed to defeat Reptile literally single-handedly. Deciding he didn't know enough about Outworld to continue with the "contest" Shao Kahn had presented to the Earthrealm and Outworld forces, Bo instead spent the rest of the contest sat on the unconscious Reptile, his massive frame pinning him to the ground ensuring the lizard-like warrior would not be able to interfere with the progress of the other Earthrealm fighters.

Zaggot: Lord Zaggot is a god of chaos, featured in the Mortal Kombat: Goro, Prince of Pain trilogy. He receives his sinister strengths through the disruption of events in the universe, though personally refers to this origin of power as, "It's all around... if you know where to look." Zaggot is almost always accompanied by a talking crow, Rook. He found it necessary to create the Kombatant once proposing the position to Goro, receiving refusal. Later, Zaggot reveals his true form to Goro for purposes of intimidation, only to be eaten by him when the lack of insuing chaos causes the god to shrink in size. Zaggot is later viewed playing a game of chess against his brother, Abacus.

Rook: Mister Rook is a talking crow, featured in the Mortal Kombat: Goro, Prince of Pain trilogy. He accompanies Zaggot and ceaselessly congratulates his lordship. When Goro returns to Outworld and states his location, Rook replies, "Where did you think we were going? Disneyworld?"

Kombatant: The Kombatant is an all-powerful creation of sorcery, featured in the Mortal Kombat: Goro, Prince of Pain trilogy. Formed by Zaggot, it is imbued with the combined strengths and certain physical attributes of Johnny Cage, Sonya, Kano, Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Raiden, Shang Tsung and Goro, resulting in a seemingly impossible being to conquer. Upon Goro's defeat, the Kombatant is ambushed by Baraka, Kitana, Mileena and Reptile, all of which are easily bested in kombat. However, Baraka prevails temporarily and manages to sever its upper-left arm which apparently reforms in the following instalment, suggesting that the Kombatant either incorporates the ability to regenerate or that Zaggot can heal its wounds at will. The Kombatant meets its demise when Goro easily disintegrates it with a magically-crafted gun, bestowed upon him by Abacus.

Bishop: Miss Bishop is a librarian, featured in the Mortal Kombat: Goro, Prince of Pain trilogy (specifically the second issue). She accompanies Abacus in the Library of Order and endlessly aides him in maintaining the occurrences of the universe.

Abacus: Lord Abacus is a god of order, featured in the Mortal Kombat: Goro, Prince of Pain trilogy. Residing in the Library of Order, he witnesses the chaotic scheming of Zaggot unfold, yet refuses to respond physically for fear of producing further chaos, thus feeding his rival. This course of action alters, however, when Abacus encounters Goro and presents to him a weapon forged of order. Abacus is finally seen versing his brother, Zaggot, in a game of chess.

[edit] Interesting concepts raised in the comic books

Throughout the comic book series, interesting concepts have been raised that while may not be apart of the actual and official storyline itself, is in fact apart of the "what if" hyperextension of the game. These theories prove to be popular with the fans as they show another perspective from the game's original perspectives. They are the following:

Kitana and Mileena #1

It is revealed that Mileena was specifically created by Shang Tsung for Kahn through sorcery (Mileena constantly refers to herself in the comics as "Shao Kahn's true daughter").
There is in fact one Sub-Zero, and not two (thus killing off any speculation that Sub-Zero the elder turned into Noob Saibot). In the comic book Baraka, Noob Saibot appears in the storyline yet Sub-Zero (the original) still remains alive in the comic book series (the events that took place in Baraka occurred a week after the events of Battlewave: No Guts No Glory issue) where Sub-Zero left his alliance (consisting of Kitana, Kung Lao and Baraka) to infiltrate Shao Khan's fortress. Baraka left the group because of his arrogance, and therefore when he needed help, Noob Saibot was there to assist him.
Hydro (who served as Sub-Zero's close associate) was killed by Scorpion and thus depicting the death of Sub-Zero the elder.
Rayden had swore to protect Sub-Zero.
Scorpion was in fact a force of evil.
Johnny Cage and Sonya had a relationship, although this concept is highly supported by the game's official storyline, there have been no suggestions in the game's storyline to officially prove that Sonya and Johnny Cage shared a relationship.
Sonya Blade was hypnotised by Reptile into marrying Shao Khan.
The Mortal Kombat: Goro, Prince of Pain trilogy revolves around the storyline elements of chaos and order, suspected to be the influence behind said themes being introduced in the video game, Mortal Kombat: Deception.